I’m with Moxie! and the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy is hosting another grappler’s seminar event with Nina Cutro-Kelly on January 18, 2013.

Nina will be joining us in Baltimore for this one day event fresh off her victories in France including the French National BJJ Championships. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a champion in FOUR grappling arts: Sambo, Judo, BJJ, and Wrestling!

We will be offering two 2-hour sessions of grappling technique demonstrations and practice. Each session will be unique, so we encourage registering for both! There will also be a 2 hour break in between sessions for food, socialization and an open mat for interested participants.

On November 2nd a gaggle of Baltimore Judo students stepped up to demonstrate their judo knowledge to the Shufu Yudanshakai Board of Examiners. Many also competed in the small shiai, a new experience for Michael and young Elijah. Everyone was at the edge of their seat for the last match of the day, a close match between Baltimore Judo’s own Jason and Christian which ended with claps on the back and smiles all around.

Congrats to all our newly promoted judokas:

Juniors

Gokyu (yellow): Elijah, Oscar

Yonkyu (orange): Ben, Nick

Seniors

Gokyu (green): Shadeed, Michael

Yonkyu (blue): Jason, Christian

Sankyu (brown): John

The dedication and sportsmanship each of you displayed was truly inspirational. Keep up the good work!

On August 4, 2013 Baltimore Judo Club’s young members Ben and Justin traveled to Harrisburg, PA to compete in the annual Keystone Games. This wasn’t the first tournament for either of these young men, but it was far from easy! Ben scored his first shiai win ever, besting his opponent 2 out 3, AND brought home the gold medal. Justin had a tougher time but scored a shiny silver medal.

Baltimore Judo Club’s own Christina Salmond and Jason LeFevers hit the beach at the 2013 Senior National Judo Championships last weekend in Virginia.

A huge round of applause to Jason for stepping out at the Senior Nationals, only his second judo tournament ever and first time fighting in a Visually Impaired (VI) division. Jason fought best 2 out of 3 with Dartanyon Crockett (2012 Paralympic Bronze Medalist). “It was a tough match,” commented Mark Smith, Jason’s VI Coach for the event, after the first bout which ended with Jason playing uke to a backwards pin. The second match was a quick ippon with sasae by Dartanyon. Waiting to receive their medals, Dartanyon made a point to hug Jason’s shoulders, pose for pictures and give him some personal advice which we all hope he takes to heart: don’t give up!

As for Christina, this was her third consecutive trip to the Senior Nationals and her first time leaving without a medal. Disappointed at going 0-4 in the +78kg F Senior Elite division and unable to compete in the Senior Open and Master’s divisions due to illness, she still remains optimistic about her competitive future. “In this division you have to bring your A-game or you get buried. I think everyone could see this was a D-game day for me,” Christina explained with a shrug, “I’ve got a lot to do, but I’ll be back next year.”

Congrats to everyone for going out there and fighting the tough fight, and don’t give up!